Jake Harvath dedicated 2024 to advocating for wild horses in the U.S., embarking on a 6,000-mile journey across 25 states with his three mustangs: Denver, Eddy, and Bella. He aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by these majestic creatures and promote the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse Adoption Program.
Throughout his expedition, Harvath documented his journey on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, living with only what he could pack on two mustangs while traversing the country’s diverse terrain. The BLM spends millions on population control efforts for wild horses, but the animals continue to outnumber what is deemed sustainable, leading to competition for scarce resources.
Harvath’s project aimed to inspire others to consider adopting wild horses through the BLM’s program, providing these animals with a safe place to land and lessening the burden on the federal agency. His successful journey culminated in a spirited welcome back to his hometown, where he plans to submit an application to The Long Riders Guild and Guinness World Records for the longest continuous horse pack ride in the U.S. in a single year.